Fluid detection system for a plurality of tanks

ABSTRACT

A system for continuous measurement of multiple fluids in multiple tanks and computation of physical properties for each of the multiple fluids continuously. The system can use a plurality of probes, a plurality of client devices, a master control processor, and a master control data storage. The master control data storage can have computer instructions for receiving data from the plurality of probes, receiving data from other detection devices associated with the fluid in each tank, mapping collected data to a relational database, and comparing mapped data to stored values associated with prioritized alarm functions. The master control data storage can also have computer instructions for generating alarms to both a display connected with the master control processor and to the plurality of client devices using a network, generating reports associated with each generated alarm, generating an alarm log, and generating a history of actions taken by a user.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to a system for measuringfluids in one or more tanks which can be either on land or on a marinefloating vessel.

BACKGROUND

A need exists for a system that provides highly sensitive and accurateleak detection and emissions monitoring for use in a plurality of tanksusing probes with no moving parts. A further need exists for a systemthat incorporates sensing devices with synchronized measurements forincreased accuracy in measurements and accommodates motion of the tankbased on pitch, heave and yaw motions.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 shows a detail of the system according to one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a partial cross section view of a sensor housing usablewith the system according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a channel of a sensor housing usable withthe system according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a probe usable with the system with an outer surface in astepped configuration according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a probe processor and a probe data storageaccording to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a remote data storage usable in the system according toone or more embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict a master control data storage usable with the systemaccording to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows the system with a plurality of tanks and a plurality ofelectronically connected probes on a floating vessel according to one ormore embodiments.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present system in detail, it is to be understoodthat the system is not limited to the particular embodiments and that itcan be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments generally relate to a system for measuringfluids in one or more tanks, which can be either on land or on a marinefloating vessel.

The system can be for continuous measurement of multiple fluids inmultiple tanks using multiple probes mounted in each tank connected to anetwork.

The master control processor can communicate with a plurality of clientdevices.

The master control processor can use computer instructions forcomputation of physical properties for each of the multiple fluidscontinuously and can transmit the information to the plurality of clientdevices.

The master control processor can use computer instructions to receivedata from the plurality of probes and data from other detection devicesassociated with fluid in the tank.

The master control processor can then map collected data to a relationaldatabase in the master control data storage.

The master control processor can compare mapped collected data to storedvalues associated with a prioritized alarm functions and can generatealarms to a display connected with the master control processor and tothe plurality of client devices.

The master control processor can generate reports associated with eachgenerated alarm.

The master control processor can also generate an alarm log and ahistory of actions taken by a user to any component or operatingparameter of the system.

The system can have the benefit of monitoring quantity and qualityparameters of fluids in tanks, optional leak detection and unauthorizedmovement detection, monitoring emissions parameters, monitoring gasblanketing for asset protection and operational control, mass balancefor gain and loss calculations and for floating vessel balance, andreporting notifications to a client device or network when any of theparameters are not within preset values or do not comply withenvironmental laws and regulations.

The present embodiments can be for a system using multiple probes.

Each probe can utilize multiple temperature sensors and multiplepressure transducers for performing hydrostatic tanks measurements andcan provide increased accuracy and consistency with regard tomeasurement values.

Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis of the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching persons having ordinary skill in theart to variously employ the present embodiments.

The term “continuous” as used herein can refer to measurements andcomputations that can be performed repeatedly in a time frame of lessthan 10 minutes.

The term “fluid” as used herein can include liquids, gasses with orwithout particulates, and combinations thereof. Vapor pressure can beused in the conventional manner and can be included within the scope ofthe term “gas” for this application. Fluids can include hydrocarbons,water, wine, beer, gasoline, oil, pharmaceuticals, alcohols, esters,inert gasses and vapors.

The term “fluid temperature” as used herein can refer to an averagefluid temperature or a multipoint spot temperature of the fluid.

The term “inclinometer” as used herein can refer to an instrument formeasuring angles of a floating object with respect to gravity. Theinclinometer can measure after draft, forward draft, list, trim andpitch and roll.

The term “master control processor” as used herein can refer to aprocessor, such as one or more computers connected together which areeither adjacent the probes or remote to the probes, for performingcertain processing steps of the system. Processing steps of the systemcan include parallel calculating for multiple tanks or physicalproperties of the fluids, while comparing measured values to storedvalues and generating alarms via a network to a plurality of clientdevices. Optionally, a remote processor can expedite action to preventthe harm.

The term “mapping collected data” as used herein can refer to the stepof placing collected data into the relational database and into knownregisters.

The term “network” as used herein can refer to a global communicationnetwork such as the Internet, a local area network, a radio network, ahard wired network, a copper wire network, a cellular network, asatellite network, a fiber optic network, an infrared connection, aplain old telephone system (POTS), other wireless or wired networks, andcombinations thereof.

The term “pressure transducer” as used herein can refer to a device thatcan measure pressure of the fluid.

The term “processor” as used herein can refer to a laptop, a cellularphone or a smart phone, a desktop computer, a server on a network,another measuring device that does different measuring and that canconnect to the plurality of temperature sensors and plurality ofpressure transducers. The processor can be in wired or wirelesscommunication with the temperature sensors and the pressure transducers.

The term “data storage” refers to a non-transitory computer readablemedium, such as a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash drive, tapedrive, and the like. The term “non-transitory computer readable medium”excludes any transitory signals but includes any non-transitory datastorage circuitry, e.g., buffers, cache, and queues, within transceiversof transitory signals.

The term “temperature sensor” as used herein can refer to either onetemperature sensor or a pair of temperature sensors for detecting atemperature of the fluid in the tank.

The term “tanks” as used herein can refer to a wide variety of tanks andcontainers that can hold fluids. For example, tanks can include a firsttank containing ten barrels of oil and a second tank containing1,000,000 barrels of oil. The tanks can be structured with or withoutfloating roofs. The tanks can be any shape. Tanks of any volume can bemade from various materials.

The system can provide the benefit of continuous measurements,simultaneous with continuous comparison of measured values with presetlimits, such as environmental standards.

The system can be expected to provide enhanced accuracy and consistentmeasurements for tank farms and multiple tanks by at least 15 percent ascompared to existing detection and monitoring apparatus.

The system can provide multiple alarms to multiple client devices usinga network and a predefined priority grouping system when measured valuesexceed or fall below preset limits.

The system can use a master control processor and probe processors thatcan identify many physical characteristics of fluids, which can bemeasured using the probes with multiple temperature sensors and thepressure transducers for the gas or liquid, with or without particulatematter.

Use of the system can prevent hazardous environmental emissions and canavoid other potentially dangerous or detrimental fluid conditionsthrough continuous monitoring.

Use of the system on multiple tanks can prevent death of workers nearthe tanks due to inhalation of harmful emissions.

The system can allow remediation to be taken from 2 minutes to 48 hourswhen fluid conditions reach unacceptable levels, thereby preventingenvironmental contamination, explosions, loss of fluid, death and damageto equipment. Unacceptable levels can be extreme pressure andtemperatures, the formation of vacuums, and the emissions of harmfulamounts of hydrocarbons and other potentially harmful chemicals.

For example, the system can perform analysis of the measured values fortanks, which can form a calculated value for a fluid in each tank, suchas a mass of the fluid. A mass of the fluid in one tank can be a fewtons while it can be hundreds or thousands of tons of crude oil inanother tank.

A calculated value can also be a fluid volume in the plurality of tanks,which can range from tens of barrels to millions of barrels of liquidpetroleum gas.

The system can perform analysis of fluid density for the fluid in eachtank of the plurality of tanks. The fluid density can range from 0.5grams/cc in a first tank and up to 2 grams/cc or more for a petroleumproduct in a second tank.

In an embodiment of the system, each probe can have a plurality oftemperature sensors and a plurality of pressure transducers connected toa probe processor that can communicate with the master controlprocessor.

Each probe can have one or more of the pressure transducers, which caninclude a diaphragm. The diaphragm can be oriented horizontal to thebottom of the tanks but can be at other orientations.

For monitoring and alarming of multiple tanks from multiple locations,the master control processor can be a computer, a laptop, a dedicatedclient device with a built in processor, such as a cellular phone or asmart phone, a processor which can be part of a cloud computing systemor connected to a network, and combinations thereof.

An embodiment of the system can use wireless communication between theprobe processor and the master control. An embodiment of the system canuse wireless or wired communication between the probe processor and theplurality of temperature sensors and the plurality of pressuretransducers.

In embodiments, the master control processor and the probe processorscan communicate to a remote processor via a network such as the Internetor another global communication network. The remote processor canreceive data from many probe processors from many tanks to create aplurality of virtual gauges for comparative purposes for an entire tanksfarm or a fleet of tanks.

The master control processor or a remote processor can instruct eachprobe processor to synchronously poll measurement data from the one ormore temperature sensors and one or more pressure transducerscontinuously and calculate values, forming calculated values which canthen be transmitted to the master control processor.

The master control processor or the remote processor can instruct probeprocessors to convert pressure and temperature sensor data to one ormore values for monitoring fluid flow using computer instructions in theprobe data storage or in the master control data storage. The values canprovide a reading or notification of a measurement or calculation onfluid flow pertaining to the contained fluid for leak detection andrelated measurement including unauthorized movement of fluid from thetanks. Unauthorized movement of fluid can include theft of fluid,leaking of fluid that affects the volume of fluid in the tank, incorrectlineup of pipes or conduits into or out of the tank.

The data from the temperature sensors and the pressure transducers canbe compared in order to obtain a better real-time picture of the entiretank farm and to provide a higher accuracy of readings and measurementsfor the contained fluids.

The master control processor can use the calculated values to comparethe calculated values to one or more predetermined ranges of values forthe fluid in each of the plurality of tanks to identify whether thecalculated values are within the predetermined ranges. For example, adensity of a specific crude oil can have a predetermined range from 0.85to 1.0 grams/cc, and the present system can constantly collect data andcompare the collected data to that predetermined range. Notificationscan be provided if the calculated values exceed a predetermined range.

The master control processor can use computer instructions in the mastercontrol data storage with a plurality of stored automated responses,such as alarms, when the calculated values exceed a predetermined range.

The calculated values can specifically be values for a mass of thefluid, a fluid volume, an average temperature of the fluid, a multipledensity strata of the fluid, an average density of the fluid, a level ofthe fluid, a fluid flow rate, an impurity content of the fluid, anentrained water content of the fluid, a free water content of the fluid,or combinations thereof.

An embodiment of the system can monitor and compare measurements foratmospheric or ambient pressures and temperatures to measurements forvapor pressures and vapor temperatures to provide data withnotifications and/or alarms.

Examples of the type of data to be compared can include extremepressures, extreme temperatures, formation of vacuums, high amounts ofhydrocarbon emissions or other harmful chemical emissions, orcombinations thereof. Immediate notifications and alarms can be producedto provide an alert of potentially harmful gasses, liquids, and vaporsthat are escaping into the atmosphere and surrounding area.

The master control processor can store measured values, calculatedvalues, and stored alarms. The master control processor can also storepriority groupings of client devices to receive alarms in one or moredata storage media in communication with the processor. Data storagemedia can include remote data storage media, removable data storagemedia, and fixed data storage media.

The master control or remote processor can also be configured tocommunicate with one or more of the following: (1) a remote terminalunit, such as a Bristol Babcock RTU for tubular line monitoring, (2) adistributive control system, such as, a Honeywell DSC 3000, (3) asupervised control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, such as a HumanMachine Interface system, (4) another computer, (5) another tank orvessel gauge interface unit, such as a 1515 ETGI provided by GaugingSystems, Inc. of Houston, Tex., and other similar devices to collectadditional data needed for providing alarms and monitoring emissions.

In embodiments, temperature sensors and pressure transducers can eachinclude a transmitter, such as a radio transceiver, a satellitetransmitter, a cellular transceiver, an RS-485 wired transmitter, orother similar transmitters. The transmitter can communicate between thetemperature sensors, the pressure transducers, and the remote processor.The communication can be a wireless communication, a fiber opticcommunication, a cabled communication, or combinations thereof.

A transmitter can be disposed in proximity to one or more tanks fortransmitting data from the one or more tanks to a remote processor.

In embodiments, each probe can contain one or more sensor housings whichcan be made from any durable material, including machined stainlesssteel, plastic, a metal alloy, such as HASTELLOY-C™, Teflon™, aluminum,KYNAR™ composites, ceramic composites, and formed polymer blends, suchas PVC.

In embodiments, the sensor housing can include one or more channels. Thechannels can contain signaling wires to convey temperature sensor datato the probe processor.

The channels can be smooth walled. The signaling wires can bemulti-conductor wire, such as wire available from Belden, other types ofwire, or similar communication wiring, such as fiber optic wiring orcable.

Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows a detail of the systemaccording to one or more embodiments.

The system 100 is shown with two probes 1 a and 1 b connected to anetwork 64. In embodiments at least one probe can be used in the system.In other embodiments, a plurality of probes can be used in the system.

An inclinometer 32 can be in communication with the network 64, eachprobe 1 a and 1 b, and a master control processor 102.

A remote processor 71 can be connected to the network 64. The remoteprocessor can be in communication with a remote data storage 73, whichcan also provide information to the master control processor and atleast one of the probes 1 a and 1 b.

At least one client device 67 can be connected to the network 64 forbidirectionally receiving and transmitting information from the mastercontrol processor 102, the remote processor 71, and probe processors 40a and 40 b as needed.

The probes 1 a and 1 b can communicate to the network 64 usingbidirectional signals 60 a and 60 b.

The inclinometer 32 can measure angles of the floating vessel relativeto gravity.

The probes 1 a and 1 b can each have a processor housing 20 a and 20 bconfigured to prevent degradation in marine environments, such as saltwater. The processor housings can be mounted outside of the tanks 8 aand 8 b.

Each tank in which each probe is mounted can have a floor 9 and at leastone wall 10 a and 10 b. The at least one wall 10 a and 10 b are shown ascylindrical.

The probes 1 a and 1 b can be configured for continuous measurement of afluid 2 while immersed in that fluid. The fluid can be a combination ofliquid and vapor. The tanks 8 a and 8 b can each have a vapor space 15above the fluid in the tanks.

The probes 1 a and 1 b can each have a plurality of pressure transducers22 a-22 i, wherein each pressure transducer can have a diaphragm 24 a-24i.

Each pressure transducer can be configured for continuous pressuremeasurement through direct contact with the fluid 2 in the tanks.

The probes 1 a and 1 b can each have a plurality of temperature sensors30 a-30 i, wherein each of the temperature sensors can be contained ineither one of the pressure transducers or in one of the sensor housings.

Each temperature sensor can be configured for continuous temperaturemeasurement of the fluid 2 in the tanks.

The probe processors 40 a and 40 b can be disposed in the processorhousings 20 a and 20 b.

Each probe processor can be electrically connected to the plurality ofpressure transducers and to the plurality of temperature sensors in atank. Each probe processor can electronically connect to the network 64with bidirectional signals 60 a-60 d.

Each processor housing 20 a and 20 b can have a probe data storage 50 aand 50 b, wherein each of the probe data storages can be inbidirectional communication with its respective probe processor.

Each of the probe data storage 50 a and 50 b can be a computer readablemedia with computer instructions for instructing the probe processor tocontrol the plurality of temperature sensors and the plurality ofpressure transducers electrically connected to it, and to producebi-directional signals to the network, the plurality of temperaturesensors, and the plurality of pressure transducers.

A temperature and pressure transducer 61 can be located in the vaporspace 15 of the tank. In embodiments, more than one temperature andpressure transducer can be used in each tank.

A plurality of conduits 19 a-19 g can be used for connecting theprocessor housing 20 a with sensor housings 21 a-21 g.

The plurality of conduits 19 a-19 g can extend to a bottom of the probe1 a. In embodiments, the bottom of each probe can be proximate to orwithin inches, such as 1 inch to 30 inches from the floor 9 of the tank.

A plurality of switches 66 a-66 d can be disposed in the tank 8 a. Eachswitch can detect liquid levels, compare detected liquid levels to apreset level stored in the switch and then provide a notification signalto the at least one client device 67 via the network, or a notificationto the probe processor 40 a, the master control processor 102, or to allprocessors and the at least one client device, when liquid exceeds orfails to meet the preset level of the switch.

An external sensor 63 can be located outside of the tank 8 a. Theexternal sensor can be electrically connected to the probe processor 40a.

The external sensor 63 can be configured to measure ambient pressure andambient temperature outside the tank 8 a. The external sensor 63 canprovide signals.

The probe processor 40 a can use computer instructions to compare theambient pressure and temperature measured outside the tank by theexternal sensor to measured pressure and temperature inside the tankmeasured by the plurality of pressure transducers and the plurality oftemperature sensors for gas blanket monitoring and asset protection ofthe tank.

In embodiments, a plurality of probes can communicate using thebidirectional signals with the network 64. The bidirectional signals cantransmit to the at least one client device 67. Commands and data fromthe at least one client device 67 can be transmitted via the network 64to the probe processors 40 a and 40 b.

In embodiments, the plurality of transducers, the plurality oftemperature sensors, the plurality of conduits, the plurality ofswitches, the diaphragms and the sensor housings can be contained in anin tank housing 107 of the probe.

In embodiments, a spacer 105 can be used to keep the plurality oftransducers, the plurality of temperature sensors space apart from thein tank housing 107. In embodiments, a plurality of spacers can be used.

In embodiments, the spacer can help stabilize the probe and prevent themarine vessel, if used, from listing.

At least one sulfur containing compound detector 69 can be used in eachof the tanks.

The sulfur containing compound detector 69 can be in communication withthe probe processor 40 a for detecting sulfur containing compound. Theprobe processor 40 a can use computer instructions in the probe datastorage configured to instruct the probe processor to compute sulfurcontaining compound concentration for protection of personnel or forestimation of quality of crude oil.

FIG. 2 shows a partial cross section view of a sensor housing usablewith the system according to one or more embodiments.

Output leads 73 can be shown from the temperature and pressuretransducer 61. The temperature and pressure transducer 61 can bedisposed partially in the sensor housing 21. In embodiments, to operatethe temperature and pressure transducer 61, a portion of the temperatureand pressure transducer can be external of the sensor housing.

A channel 79 can be formed in the sensor housing 21. The channel 79 canhave a plurality of inclined surfaces that can enable fluid from thetank to contact with the temperature and pressure transducer 61.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a channel of a sensor housing usable withthe system according to one or more embodiments.

The channel 79 is shown in the sensor housing 21 of the marine probe. Inthis embodiment, the marine probe can have two inclined surfaces in thesensor housing, shown here as a first surface 25 and a second surface29, which can form the channel 79. Each inclined surface can have aslope from 2 degrees to 50 degrees.

In embodiments, a plurality of inclined surfaces can be used on one sideof the channel 79. The channel 79 can enable fluid from the tank tocontact a pressure transducer or a temperature sensor in the sensorhousing or a combination pressure and sensor transducer in the sensorhousing.

In embodiments, just one inclined surface can be formed on a side ofchannel 79.

FIG. 4 shows a probe usable with the system with an outer surface in astepped configuration according to one or more embodiments.

The probe 1 is shown with an outer surface 81 formed in a sequentialstepped configuration as three segments, wherein each segment expands atleast 10 percent in diameter sequentially from an adjacent segment.

The probe 1 can have a tank movement measuring device 83 connected to aroof 99 of the tank 8 with the fluid 2 and the vapor space 15. The tank8 can have at least one wall 10, shown here as a cylindrical tank, and afloor 9. The tank movement measuring device 83 can be mounted externalof the tank 8.

The tank movement measuring device 83 can be electronically connected tothe probe processor 40 in the processor housing 20 or the remoteprocessor via the network. The tank movement measuring device canprovide signals that can be stored in the remote processor data storage.The tank movement measuring device 83 can communicate with the probeprocessor 40 or a display for an operator. The tank movement measuringdevice can measure and display movement due to flexing of the floor 9 ofthe tank 8 or due to flexing of the roof 99 of the tank 8. The displaycan be a local display, a remote display, or combinations thereof.

The tank movement measuring device 83 can measure when the probe hasmoved due to the flexing of the floor 9 of the tank 8 with the fluid 2or flexing of the roof 99 of the tank with the vapor space 15 relativeto the floor 9. The tank movement measuring device can transmit thosemeasurements to the probe data storage 50 either wirelessly or in awired communication for further notification to the display associatedwith the probe processor 40 or the remote processor via the network orthe client device via the network.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a probe processor and a probe data storageaccording to one or more embodiments.

In embodiments, the probe processor 40 can have a temperature sensorsimulation circuit 85 and a pressure transducer simulation circuit 87.

The probe data storage 50 can be connected to the probe processor 40.

The temperature sensor simulation circuit 85 can be for automaticallycalibrating the probe processor and can use a temperature referencevalue 234 for calibration. The temperature reference value 234 can beshown in the probe data storage 50.

The pressure transducer simulation circuit 87 can be for automaticallycalibrating the probe processor. The pressure transducer simulationcircuit can use a pressure reference value 235 for calibration. Thepressure reference value 235 can be shown in the probe data storage 50.

The probe data storage 50 can contain a tank capacity table 200, whichcan show capacities and/or volumes in a tank for various fluid levels asmeasured from a reference gauge point.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 202 configuredto instruct the probe processor to calculate at least one physicalproperty for the fluid.

The physical properties can be stored in the probe data storage and caninclude but are not limited to: a mass of the fluid 303, a volume of thefluid 304, a density strata of the fluid 306, an average density of thefluid 308, a level of the fluid 310, a fluid temperature 311, a fluidflow rate 312, a fluid pressure 313, an amount of impurity in the fluid314, an entrained water content in the fluid 316, and a free watercontent in the fluid 318.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 204 to instructthe probe processor to perform adaptive measurement for at least one of:synchronized measurement of the fluid in static operation,non-synchronized measurement of the fluid in static operation,non-synchronized measurement of the fluid in dynamic operation, andsynchronized measurement of the fluid in dynamic operation.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 208 configuredto instruct the probe processor to identify which of the plurality oftemperature sensors and the plurality of pressure transducers are notcovered by a fluid by comparing signals from the plurality oftemperature sensors and the plurality of pressure transducers to eachother.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 210 configuredto instruct the probe processor to measure movement of the fluid in thetank.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 212 configuredto instruct the probe processor to calibrate pressure transducers of thetank when the pressure transducers are no longer in the fluid.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 213 configuredto instruct the probe processor to use inclinometer values torecalculate the location of each of the temperature sensors and each ofpressure transducers in the fluid, and use the tank capacity table todetermine accurate volume and mass of liquid and vapor of the fluid.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 214 configuredto instruct the probe processor to communicate with a client device viaa network by using the bidirectional signals.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 218 configuredto instruct the probe processor to perform self-calibration.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 220 configuredto instruct the probe processor to perform self-diagnostics.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 222 configuredto instruct the probe processor to perform self-configuration.

In embodiments, the probe data storage can have at least one computerinstruction configured to instruct the probe processor to preformself-calibration, perform self-diagnostics, perform self-configuration,or various combinations thereof.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 224 configuredto instruct the probe processor to configure and reconfigureautomatically online.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 228 configuredto instruct the probe processor to compare the ambient pressure andtemperature to measured pressure and temperature inside the tank for gasblanket monitoring and asset protection of the tank.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 230 configuredto instruct the probe processor to use the plurality of pressuretransducers and temperature sensors internal to the tank, anytemperature and pressure transducer located in a vapor space of the tankand the external sensor to calculate parameters necessary for emissionsmonitoring.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 232 configuredto instruct the probe processor to use the plurality of temperaturesensors and/or the plurality of pressure transducers to calculateparameters necessary for leak detection and unauthorized movement offluid into and out of the tank.

The temperature sensor simulation circuit's temperature reference value234 and the pressure transducer simulation circuit's pressure referencevalue 235 are shown in the probe data storage 50.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 236 configuredto instruct the probe processor to compute sulfur containing compoundconcentration for protection of personnel or for estimation of qualityof crude oil as mentioned earlier.

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 322 configuredfor instruct the probe processor to use a computed mass of the fluid forbalancing during loading and unloading of the floating vessel and forinventory control and custody transfer

The probe data storage can contain computer instructions 324 configuredto instruct the probe processor to create bidirectional signals andcommunicate with the master control processor using the network andwherein at least one of the master processor, the probe processor, orthe remote processor use the inclinometer values to recalculate thelocation of each of the temperature sensors and each of the pressuretransduces in the fluid and use the tank capacity table to determine atleast one volume, level, and mass of the fluid.

FIG. 6 depicts a remote data storage usable with the system according toone or more embodiments.

In embodiments, the remote data storage 73 can communicate with theremote data processor for communication with the master controlprocessor and the probe processor via the network.

The remote data storage 73 can include computer instructions 225configured to instruct the remote processor to calculate snow or wateraccumulation on a roof of the tank using bidirectional signals from theprobe processor.

The remote data storage 73 can include computer instructions 227configured to instruct the remote processor to collect data frommultiple probes and concentrate the data for communication to a mastercontrol processor.

The remote data storage 73 can include computer instructions 431configured to instruct the remote processor to calculate parametersnecessary for emission monitoring.

The remote data storage 73 can include computer instructions 433configured to instruct the remote processor to calculate parametersnecessary for leak detection and unauthorized movement of fluid into orout of the tank.

The remote data storage 73 can include computer instructions 435configured to instruct the remote processor to calculate parametersnecessary for overfill protection of the tank.

The remote data storage 73 can include computer instructions 437configured to instruct the remote processor to calculate tanksoverpressure or vacuum parameters in the tank.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict the master control data storage usable withthe system according to one or more embodiments.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions226 configured to instruct the master control processor to calculatesnow or water accumulation on a roof of a tank using bidirectionalsignals from a probe.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions430 configured to instruct the master control processor to calculateparameters necessary for emissions monitoring.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions432 configured to instruct the master control processor to calculateparameters necessary for leak detection and unauthorized movement offluid into or out of the tanks.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions434 configured to instruct the master control processor to calculateparameters necessary for overfill protection of the tanks.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions436 configured to instruct the master control processor to calculatetank overpressure or vacuum parameters in the tanks.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions501 configured to instruct the master control processor to receive datafrom the plurality of probes.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions502 configured to instruct the master control processor to receive datafrom other detection devices associated with fluid in the tank.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions503 configured to instruct the master control processor to map collecteddata to a relational database in the master control data storage.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions504 configured to instruct the master control processor to comparemapped collected data to stored values in the master control datastorage, wherein each stored value can be associated with an alarmfunction, and wherein each alarm function can be prioritized by safetyconsiderations inputted by a user.

The master control data storage 106 can include computer instructions505 configured to instruct the master control processor to generate andsend alarms to a display connected with the master control processor andto a plurality of client devices.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 506configured to instruct the master control processor to generate reportsassociated with a generated alarm in a plurality of formats,simultaneously.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 507configured to instruct the master control processor to generate an alarmlog.

The master control database 106 can include a relational database 508and stored values 509.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 510configured to instruct the master control processor to generate ahistory of actions taken by a user to any component or operatingparameter of the system.

The master control data storage can contain the history of actions 511.

The master control data storage 106 can contain computer instructions512 configured to instruct the master control processor to measuremovement of fluid in the tanks.

The master control data storage 106 can contain computer instructions513 configured to instruct the master control processor and a remoteprocessor to communicate a plurality of alarms with a plurality ofclient devices via a network, using the bidirectional signals.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 514configured to instruct the master control processor and a remoteprocessor to use inclinometer values to recalculate a location of eachof the temperature sensors and each of the pressure transducers in thefluid and use the tank capacity table to determine accurate volume andmass of liquid and vapor of the fluid when a probe processor on thefloating vessel fails and to redistribute inclinometer data to probeprocessors on the floating vessel.

The master control data storage can contain preset levels for fluids 515and can contain alarm logs 516.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 524configured to instruct at least one of: the master control processor anda remote processor to instruct the probe processors to configure andreconfigure online.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 528configured to instruct the master control processor and a remoteprocessor to compare measured ambient pressure and temperature tomeasured pressure and temperature inside the multiple tanks for gasblanket monitoring and asset protection of the tanks.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 529configured to instruct the master control processor or a remoteprocessor to communicate with at least one of the the probe processors,remote processor, and client devices, the measured data for emissioncalculations of the multiple tanks.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 531configured to instruct at least one of: the master control processor anda remote processor to communicate with the probe processors the measureddata for leak detection analysis.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 622configured to instruct at least one of: the master control processor andremote processor to use a computed mass of the fluid for balancingduring loading and unloading of a floating vessel and for inventorycontrol and custody transfer.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 624configured to instruct at least one of: the master control processor andremote processor to provide alarms for vapor emission parameters, leakdetection, and unauthorized movement of fluid, which are at least one ofa voice message, a text message, an email, a color message on a display,or an audible alarm.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 626configured to instruct at least one of: the master control processor andremote processor to calculate at least one of: volumetric and massbalance of product, total fluid gain and loss in each of the multipletanks, maintenance scheduling based on alarms actuated, and productquality control functions and benchmark product preparation based ondensity and density strata calculations of fluid in the multiple tanks.

The master control data storage can contain computer instructions 628configured to instruct at least one of: the master control processor anda remote processor to calculate total emissions monitoring of themultiple tanks.

The master control data storage 106 can contain computer instructions630 configured to instruct at least one of: the master control processorand a remote processor to provide reports in various formats includinggraphical or text screen reports, printed reports, file format fortransfer or storage reports, or HTML formatted reports that can be readby any browser of a global communication network.

FIG. 8 shows the system with a plurality of tanks and a plurality ofelectronically connected probes on a floating vessel according to one ormore embodiments.

In this embodiments, three probes 1 a-1 c can be mounted in tanks 8 aand 8 b

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the system for probes on floating vessels.Three probes 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c can be mounted in tanks 8 a and 8 b of afloating vessel 7.

The floating vessel can be a ship, a barge, a workboat, a floatingoffshore platform, such as an FPSO or the like. In embodiment, thefloating vessel can be a submerged buoy.

In embodiments, the probes can be mounted in parallel in a plurality oftanks on the floating vessel.

In embodiments, the probes can be mounted in parallel in a single tankwhether on a floating vessel or on a land based tank.

Each probe can have a processor housing 20 a, 20 b, and 20 c.

The inclinometer 32 is shown mounted to the floating vessel, which cancommunicate with each probe processor, which can be located in each ofthe processor housings.

In embodiments, the inclinometer 32 can provide measuring angles of thefloating vessel relative to gravity for use by each probe processor.

Each probe processor can electrically and bi-directionally connect toeach of the plurality of pressure transducers, the plurality oftemperature sensors and the inclinometer of the system.

In embodiments, each processor housing can be weatherproof or explosionproof.

In embodiment, each of the processor housings can be configured toprevent degradation in marine environments.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on theembodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for continuous measurement of multiplefluids in multiple tanks and computation of physical properties for eachof the multiple fluids continuously, the system comprising: a. aplurality of probes in communication with a network, each probecomprising: (i) a probe computer processor in communication with a probedata storage in a processor housing, wherein the probe computerprocessor comprises a temperature sensor simulation circuit with atemperature reference value in the probe data storage and a pressuretransducer simulation circuit in the probe computer processor with apressure reference value in the probe data storage, the temperaturesensor simulation circuit and the pressure transducer simulation circuitfor calibrating the probe computer processor for measuring temperatureor pressure, and wherein the probe data storage comprises computerinstructions to instruct the probe computer processor to performadaptive measurement for at least one of: synchronized measurement offluid in static operation and in dynamic operation and non-synchronizedmeasurement of the fluid in static operation and dynamic operation; (ii)a plurality of pressure transducers electrically connected to the probecomputer processor; and (iii) a plurality of temperature sensorselectrically connected to the probe computer processor for measurementof the fluid in the tank; b. at least one client device in communicationwith the network; c. a master control computer processor incommunication with the network and with a master control data storage,the master control data storage with a non-transitory computer readablemedium containing computer instructions stored therein for causing themaster control computer processor to: (i) instruct the master controlcomputer processor to receive data from the plurality of probes; (ii)instruct the master control computer processor to receive data fromother detection devices associated with the fluid in each tank; (iii)instruct the master control computer processor to map collected data toa relational database in the master control data storage; (iv) instructthe master control computer processor to compare the mapped collecteddata to stored values in the master control data storage, wherein eachstored value is associated with an alarm function, each alarm functionprioritized by safety considerations input by a user; (v) instruct themaster control computer processor to generate and send alarms to adisplay connected to the master control computer processor and aplurality of client devices; (vi) instruct the master control computerprocessor to generate reports associated with the generated alarm, in aplurality of formats, simultaneously; (vii) instruct the master controlcomputer processor to generate an alarm log; and (viii) instruct themaster control computer processor to generate a history of actions takenby the user to any component or operating parameter of the system. 2.The system of claim 1, comprising at least one temperature and at leastone pressure transducer located in a vapor space of each tank.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, the master control data storage with thenon-transitory computer readable medium containing the computerinstructions stored therein for causing the master control computerprocessor to: a. instruct the master control computer processor tomeasure movement of liquid in the multiple tanks; and b. instruct atleast one of: the master control computer processor and a remoteprocessor to communicate a plurality of alarms with the plurality ofclient devices via the network using bidirectional signals.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, further comprising an inclinometer mounted to afloating vessel or within the processor housing for measuring angles ofthe floating vessel relative to gravity and computer instructions in themaster control data storage configured to instruct at least one of: themaster control computer processor and the remote processor to useinclinometer values to recalculate a location of each of the temperaturesensors and each of the pressure transducers in the fluid and use a tankcapacity table to determine accurate volume and mass of the liquid andvapor of the fluid when the probe computer processor on the floatingvessel fails, and to redistribute inclinometer data to the probecomputer processor on the floating vessel.
 5. The system of claim 3,wherein the master control data storage with the non-transitory computerreadable medium comprising computer instructions configured to instructat least one of: the master control computer processor and the remoteprocessor to instruct the probe computer processor to configure andreconfigure online.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the master controldata storage with the non-transitory computer readable medium comprisescomputer instructions configured to instruct at least one of the mastercontrol computer processor or the remote processor to communicate themeasured data for leak detection analysis with the probe computerprocessor.
 7. The system of claim 3, wherein the master control datastorage with the non-transitory computer readable medium comprisescomputer instructions configured to instruct at least one of the mastercontrol computer processor and the remote processor to use a computedmass of the fluid for balancing during loading and unloading of afloating vessel, and for inventory control and custody transfer.
 8. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the master control data storage with thenon-transitory computer readable medium comprises computer instructionsconfigured to instruct at least one of the master control computerprocessor and the remote processor to provide alarms for vapor emissionparameters, leak detection, and unauthorized movement of the fluid whichare at least one of: a voice message, a text message, an email, a colormessage on a display, or an audible alarm.
 9. The system of claim 3,wherein the master control data storage with the non-transitory computerreadable medium comprises computer instructions configured to instructat least one of the master control computer processor and the remoteprocessor to calculate at least one of: a volumetric and mass balance ofproduct, a total fluid gain and loss in each of the multiple tanks, amaintenance scheduling based on alarms actuated, and product qualitycontrol functions and benchmark product preparation based on density anddensity strata calculations of fluid in the multiple tanks.
 10. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the master control data storage with thenon-transitory computer readable medium comprises computer instructionsconfigured to instruct at least one of: the master control computerprocessor and the remote processor to calculate total emissions of themultiple tanks.
 11. The system of claim 3, wherein the master controldata storage with the non-transitory computer readable medium comprisescomputer instructions configured to instruct at least one of: the mastercontrol computer processor and the remote processor to provide reportsin various formats including graphical or text screen reports, printedreports, file format for transfer or storage reports, or HTML formattedreports that can be read by any browser.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein each probe comprises a plurality of switches, each switchproviding a notification signal to at least one of: the probe computerprocessor, the master control computer processor, and the network whenthe fluid exceeds or fails to meet a preset level.
 13. The system ofclaim 1, wherein each probe comprises a tank movement measuring devicecommunicating with the master control computer processor, the probecomputer processor, or a display for an operator, the tank movementmeasuring device measuring and displaying movement due to flexing of afloor of each tank or due to flexing of a roof of each tank, wherein thedisplay is at least one of: a local display and a remote display. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein the master control data storage with thenon-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer instructionsconfigured to instruct the master control computer processor tocalculate snow or water accumulation on a roof of each tank using thebidirectional signals from each probe, computer instructions configuredto instruct the master control computer processor to calculateparameters necessary for emissions monitoring, computer instructionsconfigured to instruct the master control computer processor tocalculate parameters necessary for leak detection and unauthorizedmovement of the fluid into or out of each tank, computer instructionsconfigured to instruct the master control computer processor tocalculate parameters necessary for overfill protection of each tank, andcomputer instructions configured to instruct the master control computerprocessor to calculate tank overpressure or vacuum parameters in eachtank.
 15. The system of claim 1, comprising a remote processor and aremote data storage with a non-transitory computer readable mediumcontaining computer instructions configured to instruct the remoteprocessor to calculate snow or water accumulation on a roof of each tankusing the bidirectional signals from each probe, computer instructionsto instruct the remote processor to collect data from multiple probesand concentrate the data for communication to the master controlcomputer processor, computer instructions configured to instruct theremote processor to calculate parameters necessary for emissionmonitoring, computer instructions configured to instruct the remoteprocessor to calculate parameters necessary for leak detection andunauthorized movement of the fluid into or out of each tank, computerinstructions configured to instruct the remote processor to calculateparameters necessary for overfill protection of each tank, and computerinstructions configured to instruct the remote processor to calculatetank overpressure or vacuum parameters in each tank.
 16. The system ofclaim 1, wherein each probe comprises an external sensor outside of atleast one of the tanks and electrically connected to the master controlcomputer processor, the external sensor configured to measure ambientpressure and ambient temperature outside of the at least one tank, theexternal sensor providing signals to at least one of: the master controlcomputer processor and a remote processor, the master control computerprocessor using computer instructions in the master control data storageconfigured to instruct at least one of the master control computerprocessor or the remote processor to compare measured ambient pressureand temperature to measured pressure and temperature inside the multipletanks for gas blanket monitoring and asset protection of the tanks. 17.The system of claim 16, wherein the master control data storage with anon-transitory computer readable medium comprises computer instructionsconfigured to instruct the master control computer processor or theremote processor to communicate with at least one of the probe computerprocessor, the remote processor, and the at least one client device, themeasured data for emission calculations of the multiple tanks.
 18. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising at least one sulfur containingcompound detector mounted in each tank in communication with least oneof: the probe computer processor and the master control computerprocessor for detecting sulfur containing compounds in each tank.